What is Animal Cruelty? | Times | Bow & Wow

Animal cruelty, also called animal abuseor neglect, is when a person hurts an animal or disregards the welfare of an animal. The humanesociety.org specifically defines it as such:

“Animal cruelty includes intentional, malicious acts of harm and less clear-cut situations where the needs of an animal are neglected.”

Photo from paws.org.ph

There are two types of animal cruelty as stated on wildlife-rescue.org:

Active Cruelty (Acts of Commission) - Implies malicious intent and cruelty, where a person deliberately and intentionally causes harm to an animal.

Passive Cruelty (Acts of Omission) – where the crime is defined by a lack of action, when a person neglects the welfare of an animal. Animal neglect can cause pain and suffering. Some examples of neglect include:

There are many different reasons why individuals abuse animals. Animal cruelty covers a wide range of actions, or a lack of action in some cases.

Sometimes people are not aware that what they are doing is already causing the animal pain and suffering. People who have been abused themselves have a high chance of committing animal cruelty because they think that is the only way to treat others. The worst form of cruelty is whena personhurts animals knowing that it causes harm and suffering to the animal, and they do it to intentionally cause the animal pain. Intentional cruelty to animals is strongly correlated with other crimes, including violence against people.

Most common victims

The most reported animal abuses cases are of dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. Dogfighting, cockfighting and other forms of organized animal cruelty go hand in hand with other crimes,and continues in many areas of the world. Unfortunately, due to weak enforcement of laws and political corruption, only few and extreme cases are reported and prosecuted.

Why should I report animal abuse?

Violence against animals has been linked to a higher likelihood of criminal violence and domestic abuse.People who abuse animals are more likely to hurt other people. This is whyit is so important to report animal abuse. Not only will you help the animal, but you will help your community be a safer place for everyone.

What should you do about it?

The Philippines has already made significant strides in protecting animal welfare through the amendment of the Animal Welfare Act. Under this law, any person who subjects any animal to cruelty, maltreatment or neglect shall, upon conviction may be punished by imprisonment for up to 3 years and/or fined up to P250,000 depending on the gravity of the crime. The full law can be found here.

Although the Animal Welfare Act is already in place, sadly, there is still a lack of strict enforcement from our local government.

Animal cruelty is a serious problem. If you see an animal being hurt, remember that you can help speak up for that animal. Depending on the situation, there are different ways you can help, but keep theserules in mind:

Spay or neuter your pet.One way you can help reduce the number of animals without a comfortable home is to have your pets spayed or neutered. This will help reduce number of homeless pets and animals in shelters, which will lead to less animals euthanized each year. Spaying or neutering also has health and behavioral benefits for your pet. Read up on other benefits of neutering your pet here.

Don’t touch. Don’t try to stop a person hurting an animal by yourself or try to help an animal who is hurt. Even though both situations can be upsetting, they can put you in a dangerous situation.

Get help. If you witness animal abuse, find help from someone like your mom, dad, teacher, or trusted neighbor. Tell them what you saw and together, find help. You can also call our local police hotlineif it is an emergency. You can find our national emergency contact numbers here.

If you notice an animal not being cared for properly, here are some tips to help:

If you are aware of any animal abuse or neglect, help report it to the credible authorities as soon as possible. Animals don’t have their own voice, so it is up to us to be able to help and speak up for them.

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Bow & Wow. We always welcome fellow pet parents who share the same passion of making sure our furbabies get the best health and nutrition they deserve.

You may e-mail the latest copy of your resume to careers@bowandwow.com.ph. Our recruitment team will be in touch with you should there be openings that match your qualifications.

Happy Pet Parenting!

Privacy Policy

Date Published: March 13, 2018

Date Updated: March 27, 2018

We at bow & wow value your privacy and ensure that appropriate measures to protect your data are in place and reflected in every process where your personal data is involved. Such measures are implemented through our information security management system and privacy policies established in accordance with the principles of proportionality, transparency, and legitimacy of purpose.

The Privacy Policy explains:

1. What information are collected by the website (also referred to as the “Site”) and how these information will be collected.

2. How your personal data will be used, disclosed, shared, retained and disposed

3. How to view, change, remove or withdraw personal data, and all that involves in exercising your rights under the law as subject of these data.

I. PERSONAL DATA COLLECTED

1.1. PERSONAL DATA

We may collect personal identification information from users in a variety of ways, including but not limited to;

Our website also collects your personal data through the form in our "Contact Us" page for inquiries. We collect only the following information:

1. Name

2. Email Address

1.2. NON-PERSONAL DATA

I. We may collect non-personal identification from users whenever they interact with our Site:

1. Browser name

2. Type of computer

3. Technical Information, such as operating system and Internet Service Provider

II. Web browser cookies

Our website may use "cookies" to enhance user experience. Cookies are small files which are used for tracking users' information and stored in computer’s hard drive for record-keeping purposes. You may choose to set your web browser on refusing cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If you do, note that some parts of the website may not function properly.

III. Collection of your personal identification is a voluntary submission. As users, you are entitled to refuse on supplying your personal data. However, it may prevent you from engaging on our Site-related activities. You may visit our website anonymously.

IV. By signing up and joining our membership program, you agree with all the terms and conditions involved.

2. USE, DISCLOSURE, STORAGE, AND RETENTION

2.1. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

Bow & wow may collect and use your personal information for the following purposes:

1. IMPROVE CUSTOMER SERVICE. The information you provide helps us respond to your customer service requests and support your needs more efficiently.

2. PERSONALIZE USER EXPERIENCE. Personal information is use to aggregate and understand how users as a group use the services and resources provided by our Site.

4. SHARE YOUR INFORMATION WITH THIRD PARTIES. Information is shared to third parties only when it is necessary in the conduct of any of our agreements with you.

5. PROMOTION. The personal information is used to run a promotion such as contest, survey and other features of the Site.

6. SEND PERIODIC EMAILS AND TEXTS. Email addresses and phone numbers are used to communicate promo updates, inquiries, questions, and other requests. If you subscribe to our mailing list and text blast, you will periodically receive emails and text messages that include Bow & wow news, updates, and product or service information.

2.2. HOW WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION

I. We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and administer our Site for promotional activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or survey forms.

II. Data may be shared for commercial purposes, provided it is within the consent you gave. Commercial purposes include direct marketing and marketing, marketing data analysis, and customer-relationship management.

III. We may share your personal data with third party service providers and affiliate companies provided that you have given us your consent. Your consent is necessary for your data to be processed by our third party provider, namely:

• Forthmedia – for the development of the Company's website and mobile application and hosting of data for our digital projects

IV. Users may find advertisements and other contents in our website that links to our partners, suppliers, advertisers, licensors, and other third parties. We do not control the contents or links that appear once the linked has been clicked. We are not responsible for the practices employed by the websites linked to and from the bow & wow Website. In addition, these services, including their content, are constantly changing. These sites and services may have their own privacy policies and customer service policies. Browsing and interaction on any other website, including websites which have a link to our Site, is subject to that website's own terms and policies.

V. The customer or member shall be provided with the following information prior to collection or before data is shared:

Identity of the personal information controllers or personal information processors that will be given access to the personal data;

Purpose of data sharing;

Categories of personal data concerned;

4. Intended recipients or categories of recipients of the personal data

2.3. HOW WE STORE, PROTECT, UPDATE, AND RETAIN YOUR INFORMATION

I. TECHNICAL SECURITY

We ensure that appropriate technical security measures are in place to protect your data. Some of these measures are:

ACCESS CONTROL. Access restrictions are enforced in the use of the Site. Only legitimate users are allowed to use. While this is the case, secrecy of the username, password, and account information, as applicable, is the sole responsibility of the member.

TECHNICAL TESTING. We conduct website security testing and vulnerability assessment to ensure that risks are mitigated.

MONITORING. Log-ins, cookies, device information, and Internet Protocol Address (“IP”) are being monitored to identify who visited the services provided. Passwords are encrypted upon login.

Personal data collected may be stored and processed in the United States or Philippines or any country where the Web Host/ Service Providers maintains its facilities. "Web host" is a business that provides the technologies and services needed for the website or webpage to be viewed on the Internet.

II. TECHNICAL SECURITY

We ensure that appropriate physical security measures are in place to protect your data. Some of these measures are:

1. Membership forms are stored in a filing cabinet with lock and key. They are only accessible by the Marketing Department.

1. BLOCK. As a member of Bow & wow, you agree to have your information retained in our database even until you are no longer an active member of the Bow & wow. Once a member is considered inactive, personal data will be blocked in the system but not deleted.

2. UPDATES. As a member, you are entitled to update your account any time by logging in and changing your profile settings.

3. UNSUBSCRIPTION. You may unsubscribe from all email and text blasts from us by clicking on the “unsubscribe link” provided in the email.

4. WITHDRAWAL. You may opt to fully withdraw your membership any time by directly emailing us at marketing@bowandwow.com.ph or contacting us through our phone numbers.

3. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

As subject of the data we collect and process, it is important to us that you are aware of your rights provided under the Data Privacy Act of 2012, namely the right to:

Be informed. You have the right to be notified and furnished with information before your personal data enters our processing system.

Object. You have the right to object to our processing of your personal data and/or withdraw your consent in case of changes in the information previously provided. Your personal data shall no longer be processed with the exceptions enumerated under the law.

Access. You have the right to access or demand access to view of practically everything that will happen to your personal data, which includes but are not limited to the description of the personal data, purpose, collection process, use, distribution, disclosure, storage, disposal, and destruction.

Rectify. You have the right to dispute, under reasonable circumstances, the inaccuracies or errors in your personal data and have it correct immediately and accordingly.

Erase or block. You have the right to suspend or withdraw, order the blocking, removal or destruction of your personal data from our filing system upon discovery and substantial proof of the conditions enumerated under the law. Be indemnified. You have the right to receive compensation for any damages you have sustained due to inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, false, unlawfully obtained or unauthorized use of your personal data.

Data Portability. You have the right to obtain a copy of electronically processed personal data in an electronic or structured format commonly used. This right highlights the concept of you, being the subject, to which these data pertain to have control over your personal data.

4. HOW TO EXERCISE YOUR RIGHTS

One of our main objectives is to provide you with a convenient way to access your personal data and exercise your rights under the law. You may send an email to our Data Protection Officer at dpo@bowandwow.com.ph if you wish to exercise any of your rights provided above. Note that changes and deletion of your personal data from our records shall only be done if within justifiable means and cause.

5. UPDATES AND REVISIONS

Bow & wow has the discretion to update this privacy notice at any time. When we do, we will post a notification on the main page of our Site and revise the date last updated at the top of this page. We encourage users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy notice periodically and become aware of modifications.

6. ACCEPTANCE TO THESE TERMS

By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree with the terms, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.

7. CONTACT INFORMATION

For any questions about our membership terms and conditions and privacy policy, please contact:

Pet owners take full responsibility and will shoulder and damage or injury caused by their pets in accordance with the Anti-Rabies Act (RA 9482).

Pet owners will not hold bow & wow liable for any injury to their pet while inside the store premises.

Pets who cause a disctubance to others or violate any of the above guidelines shall be asked to leave the store premises. Pets who cause injury or harm will be permanently banned from the store.

Thank you for your cooperation and help in making this a pet-friendly store.

bow & wow Club Membership Terms & Conditions

Qualification

Pet parents qualify for a bow & wow club membership with a minimum one-time purchase of P2,500 in any Bow & Wow store.

Validity & Renewal

The bow & wow club membership is valid for one year. Members with active purchases within the membership year would be automatically renewed.

Membership will be cancelled for those that don’t have any purchases from bow & wow within one year. To renew membership, members must make a qualifying purchase at any bow & wow store.

Conditions of Use

Members must download the bow & wow mobile app on their smartphone to access their membership account and digital membership card in QR code.

The digital membership card must be presented during purchase to earn points and to enjoy member benefits and privileges. Points shall not be earned retroactively. bow & wow strictly observes the NO DIGITAL CARD, NO MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS policy.

Membership is non-transferable. Family members can enjoy the shopping benefits of a member only if accompanied by the cardholder.

Membership is valid at any bow & wow store.

Point System

Members will be rewarded with one (1) bow & wow point for every P20.00 spent at any bow & wow store.

There is a minimum purchase of P500.00 total amount to earn points.

Points are earned on items purchased with cash and credit/debit cards only.

bow & wow points earned will be credited to the member’s account within 48 hours.

Pay with Points

Members can pay with bow & wow points for any purchase. One (1) bow & wow point is equivalent to P1.00

bow & wow points are only valid for three (3) months from date of issuance. The validity date will be indicated on the member’s points summary in the mobile app or in-store kiosk. Members may also inquire this information from our Pet Care Advisors.

To pay with points, member must present their digital membership card.

bow & wow points are not transferable to any other person or entity.

For the redemption of bow & wow points, those points reflected in bow & wow records shall be deemed correct and bow & wow has the exclusive right to determine the available amount of points to be awarded to or redeemed by the member.

For refund of items paid with loyalty points, whether partial of full, customer will be issued a store credit note for the equivalent amount.

bow & wow reserves the right to amend the points earning rate and restrict or limit the number of points earned on each transaction in connection with special programs, facilities and promotional activities without need of prior notice.

Membership management

Members shall keep their personal information up-to-date. Any changes may be done via the bow & wow mobile app.

For security reasons, the member’s name, birthday, and photo may only be updated once upon registration on the bow & wow mobile app. For updates or changes, the member must send a formal request to ask@bowandwow.com.ph together with a valid Government ID. Supporting documents may be requested, as applicable.

bow & wow shall not be responsible for any loss of benefits and privileges resulting from inaccurate or outdated member details.

Membership may be cancelled or fully withdrawn by notifying bow & wow through e-mail at ask@bowandwow.com.ph.

Privacy policy

Member information shall be kept confidential. Any processing of personal data shall be in compliance with the Republic Act 10173 or the "Data Privacy Act of 2012".

Appropriate measures reasonable to the circumstances shall be implemented to ensure that the members’ information is secured.

bow & wow shall collect and use members’ information, including personal data, for the following purposes:

To improve customer service. Member information provided by the members helps bow & wow respond to and support customer needs more efficiently.

To personalize user experience. Member information and feedback are aggregated and used to understand how members utilize our services and resources, to customize user experience according to group preferences.

To update members. Member information is used to update members of their membership status and corresponding privileges.

To run promotions. Member information provided is used to run promotions, such as contests, surveys, and other related campaigns.

To inform members of the following:

Information about topics that will be of interest to them and which they agreed to receive;

Information and updates pertaining to their inquiries, questions, and other requests; and,

Company news, updates, related product or service information, among others, if the member decides to opt-in to our mailing or SMS list. If at any time the member would like to unsubscribe from receiving future communications, we include detailed unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of each email or SMS. Alternatively, users may contact bow & wow directly to unsubscribe.

Member information will not be sold nor rented to any third-party organization. Names and mailing addresses may be accessible to partner organizations of bow & wow for marketing and other legitimate purposes to improve product offerings and customer service.

In accordance with the Republic Act 10173 or the “Data Privacy Act of 2012”, members are entitled to the following rights:

Be informed. Members have the right to be notified and furnished with information before personal data enters bow & wow ‘s data processing system.

Object. Members have the right to object to our processing of our personal data and withdraw consent in case of changes in the information previously provided. Member personal data shall no longer be processed with the exceptions enumerated under the law.

Access. Members have the right to access or demand access to view practically all that will happen to the member’s personal data, which include but are not limited to the description of the personal data, purpose for collection, collection process, use, distribution, disclosure, storage, disposal, and destruction.

Rectify. Members have the right to dispute, under reasonable circumstances, the inaccuracies or errors in the personal data and have the same corrected immediately and accordingly.

Erase or block. Members have the right to suspend or withdraw, order the blocking, removal or destruction of personal data from bow & wow filing system, upon discovery and substantial proof of the conditions enumerated under the law.

Be indemnified. Members have the right to receive compensation for any damages sustained due to inaccurate, incomplete, outdated, false, unlawfully obtained, or unauthorized use of personal data.

Data Portability. Members have the right to obtain a copy of electronically processed personal data in an electronic and structured format commonly used.

Data and content about members shall be used for invitations and communications promoting membership and network growth, engagement, and our services.

Targeted advertisements shall be served to members using the following data, whether separately or combined:

Data from advertising technologies such as ad tags, cookies, and device identifiers.

Information inferred from data described above (e.g., using birthday to infer age, profession for industry, or names for gender).

We use data (which can include your communications) and cookies in the website and mobile app, as needed to investigate, respond to and resolve complaints and service issues.

Legal Disclosure

Member information shall be shared when it is required by law, or when such sharing is necessary to protect the rights and ensure the security of members and bow & wow.

Member information may be disclosed when required by law, subpoena, or other legal process, or if bow & wow has a belief in good faith that disclosure is reasonably necessary to: (1) investigate, prevent, or take action regarding suspected or actual illegal activities, or to assist government enforcement agencies; (2) enforce our agreements with you; (3) investigate and defend ourselves against any third-party claims or allegations; or, (4) protect the security or integrity of bow & wow.

bow & wow shall attempt to notify members about legal demands for their member information, including personal data, when deemed appropriate in our judgment, unless prohibited by law or court order, or when the request is for an emergency.

bow & wow may dispute legal demands when the same is deemed excessive, vague, or unauthorized.

Member consent to terms & conditions

Enrollment to the bow & wow Membership Program shall constitute acceptance of all the Terms & Conditions herein stipulated.

bow & wow shall reserve the right to terminate or suspend benefits of any member at its sole discretion, or revoke membership for any breach or violation of the Terms and Conditions.

bow & wow shall reserve the right to amend or terminate this Membership Program, its Terms and Conditions, or any portion of the program at any time at its sole discretion without prior notice.

Members of bow & wow shall agree to have his or her information continually collected until the same is no longer an active member of bow & wow.

Any changes or modifications to the Terms & Conditions shall be effective immediately upon posting to the website and mobile app.

Contacting Us

For any questions about membership terms and conditions, we may be contacted through the following means: